07/18/2017

07/18/2017
“Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people—all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”  Philippians 4:21-23  NLT

We have a new “grand-dog” staying with his master’s parents. He is a young schnauzer, and he is a perfect gentleman. I am continuously proud that Famous greets other dogs in a civil manner. He remains calm unless provoked. Then he will protect himself without attacking a more aggressive dog.

I am genuinely disappointed for dogs who have not been socialized. I understand many of them come from difficult or uncertain pasts. We will respect their space and not take it upon ourselves to try to change them. I will, however, whisper a prayer that their masters work harder to train their pets in the the social graces.
We may not always put our best foot or face forward when we are out in the world. If we care for others as Christ’s disciples, we must always be prepared to interact with an openness which allows the workings of God’s Spirit.

Let the joy of my heart be evident in my walk today.

07/17/2017

07/17/2017
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls.  When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!”  Matthew 13:45-46  NLT

It’s pink. It’s loud. And he was proud! Famous was very fond of the rubber pink doggie bone that he received today. It was meant to be an enticement for him to enjoy his new doggie pool. He only stayed in the pool long enough to retrieve his new toy, but then he wanted to carry it through the neighborhood on our next walk to show it to everyone. He would only put it down for a second before carrying it off with his head held high. He kept it with him the rest of the day even when he fell asleep. We will see if it replaces any of his furry pet toy friends.

Our delight over the great gift of grace from heaven, our eternal souls, should be foremost in our thoughts and our actions in this life. We should be eager as well to display it before the world as a testimony to how we will live our lives in gratitude.

In my walk today, let me be bold to say I belong to Christ. 

07/16/2017

07/16/2017

“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”  Romans 5:11  NLT

Please don’t be sad! After getting to spend a whole day with Famous, I know the look he gives to me when the next day arrives and he sees me preparing to leave in the morning. Today just happened to be a church day, and I know he can no longer distinguish the difference between “work” and “church” when I tell him where I am going. It does not matter. The dress tie means the same thing: “You’re leaving me again.”

Yes, I am leaving you. But you should be glad. You should know the things I do help us to have shelter and food and those treats you like. But I also know I will miss you, and we will both be very glad when I return. And because it is a Sunday, I will be able to return sooner than on most days.

Many things in life may worry us. They can “bring us down” to the point it starts to be difficult to enjoy the gifts of the day. But this is the great grace of God: He has taken all of our griefs and sorrows upon himself. He has painted a bigger picture for us to see. Our broken hearts and spirits are not ignored by God. However, they are insignificant when we consider an eternity with our Lord.

Be glad and light of heart. 

07/15/2017

07/15/2017

“The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.”  Psalm 121:5  NLT

Long shadows when Famous and I take summer walks are a sign we are missing the heat of the day. Even on days with predicted highs in the 90’s, we can find strolls at sunrise and sunset to be pleasant. Even if the sun were high, Famous would know to head for the shady areas. And should he become distracted by tantalizing scents in the grass, I would know to stand and allow my shadow to keep the sun’s rays off of his dark coat.

Do you think that God dismisses us when we are not paying attention to his work each day? Do you think He waits remotely for us to summon him like a genie from a bottle? No! He is actively watching and loving us, providing protection of which we may never be aware. He knows the dangers around us better than we do, and He can give and take life as He pleases. Seeking his presence each day not only assures us of his protection, but it also equips us to be bold in accomplishing his mission.

Protect me with Your shadow throughout this day, O God!

07/14/2017

07/14/2017

FRIDAY FUN DOG FACT

Dogs can fall in love. They don’t call it puppy love for nothing. The concept that dogs can fall in love was suggested by anthropologist Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of The Social Lives of Dogs, who believed two dogs named Sundog and Bean were agonized star-crossed lovers kept apart because neither of their owners wanted to give them up.

It may sound far fetched but Paul Zak, a professor at Claremont Graduate University in California, found that a dog’s brain releases oxytocin – the love hormone – when it interacts with humans and dogs, just the same as a human brain does when we hug or kiss.

 

07/11/2017

07/11/2017

“He found them in a desert land, in an empty, howling wasteland. He surrounded them and watched over them; he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes.”  Deuteronomy 32:10  NLT

Famous still wants to go outside even during hot weather. He eagerly waits for me to open the door. The muggy air must be loaded with the scent of other creatures. On sunny days, I realize the pavement must be very hot to his paws, and we will sidestep into the grass if he chooses. He, at times, will underestimate his stamina, and his panting gives evidence of his rising body temperature. Even if I let him choose the path, it sometimes becomes obvious he is becoming less focused on where to go, and I have to encourage him to head home. Once we walk into the living room we are again surrounded by the blessing of AC. He heads to the air vent underneath the kitchen table and plops down on the cool ceramic tiles.

Just as I watch over and direct his path on these hot days, so God watches over us when we are marching through our wildernesses. We may feel lost and disoriented, perhaps near our breaking points. But He knows how to direct us home. We must trust him to lead us back to the living waters.

In my need and confusion, show me Your constant love and protection.

07/10/2017

07/10/2017

SUMMER MONDAY

Wake and walk.

Water and talk.

Goodbye wave.

He’s gone. He’s gone. He’s gone. He’s gone. He is still gone. Gone. Gone Gone. What? He’s still gone? Gone so long. Long. Long gone.

He’s home! Bless my soul. He’s O.K. Can we play?

Let’s go! Let’s trot! Forget that it’s hot!

Now pant, pant, pant, pant, don’t mind me if I become delirious. What? Excellent idea! Let’s go home together.

Rich and Famous, 2017

07/09/2017

07/09/2017

“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5  NLT

If there is one thing I wish Famous could understand it is that I love him. He knows I will care for and protect him. He knows I will listen when he is trying to tell me of a need. He knows I will spend time with him and give him a safe place to sleep at night. He knows if he barks loud enough I will open the door so he can run outside and chase squirrels!

Are you wondering if God loves you? Are you wondering if God even exists? The truest love you have ever felt in your life came from God because God is love. When all others fail, He is the one who will protect you, watch over you, and love you.

Let Your deep love for me fill my cup and cause me to share my heart for Your glory!